Well what a day ! The bouldering comp was fantastic, nothing like straining brains and braun on a rainy sunday afternoon at Vic Ranges climbing gym. I had the privlige to meet Climbingjac and Bumblydad who were in fine climbing form with Jacqui taking top honours. Was there anybody else there apart from the above mentioned and Gareth, Roy boy, myself ???

There's an arduous walk of say 100 meters on a flat track from the carpark to a small enclosed 'ampitheatre' bounded on 3 sides by granite tors. Scottish Reign is an excellent tips crack/layback at about grade 24 on the most prominent face. I don't know what the fire situation is there, though I have seen remnants of fires lit in the ampitheatre.

On 30/06/2003 tmarsh wrote:>..to a small enclosed 'ampitheatre' bounded on 3 sides by granite tors.

Here's a pic of the of Dog Rocks "ampitheatre" at Mt Alexander, which wouldn't be a bad spot, though the routes are quite short (15m). It's only 200m from the Kola Park, or a delightful 45min walk to the summit along a forested track with good views, if non-climbers needed something else to do. There's also Wabbit Wocks, with it's oak tree picnic area, about 5-10mins drive away.

I agree an Araps or Gramps destination would probably appeal more to a wider audience of climbers, but Bendigo (or more precisely Harcourt), is only a shade over an hour from Melbourne.

On 30/06/2003 Rupert wrote:>Yep its only about 25 mins out of Bendigo. Still a fair way for the Nati>people though isn't it?

Natimuk to Mt Alex is about 3 hours. So you're right, it's still a fair way to go. Another option would be Melville's Caves at Mt Kooyoora, near Inglewood. That would make it about 2 hours approach for both Melbournites and Natimukians. Melville's has an offical camping area, picnic tables, toliets, etc - and lots of short granite boulders to play on. It's about on par with Dog Rocks for climbing, though Mt Alex is a nicer park (more lush and pretty).

Surely, we can find a pub made out of ROCK somewhere in this godforsaken place?
And if there are enough of us doing Occupational Health and Safety checks on the walls, and testing the beverages they wouldn't throw us all out...

Guys,
I live 5 minutes from the best crag in Victoria. For once I have to travel.
Just set the date and I will get there if I can (it's like you deciding if you can get the Grampians on a weekend: can I cope with a 3 hour back-trip).
Set the date and we will make it if we can. We have family reasons for visiting Bendigo so this will be another reason.
Kieran